Attractions in Phuket

Chalong TempleThere are few things in this world to prepare you for an after-dark stroll down Patong's Bangla Road. However, a sense of humour and an open mind are prerequisites if you're looking to have some fun. In fact, there's only one undeniable and obvious fact about Bangla – it's nothing like home. With its ladyboys, exotic girls, enchanted westerners (mostly male) and enough extraverts to fill a Disney cast of thousands, shopping or sipping on a beer at Bangla Road at night is a definite 'Dear Diary' moment.

Phuket AquariumMore than one hundred species of sea life are on display at the aquarium, many of them taken from the water around Phuket. The aquarium is located at Cape Panwa, on the island's extreme southeast; admission is 5 Baht for children and 20 Baht for adults. A Songtaew (local bus) can be taken from the Talad Sot, or Fresh Market. Tel. (076) 391126.Open daily, 8:30 am. - 4:00 pm.

Antique BuildingsIn the heart of the old town, these three streets have the best preserved Chinese shophouses, some dating back almost 100 years. They also have grand mansions in the Sino-Portuguese architectural style, remnants of Phuket’s tin boom. These days, many of these mansions, which were in poor repair, have been leased out and are being rehabilitated. Well worth a quiet stroll, with the occasional stop for a coffee, a beer or lunch. Open: always, admission: free.

Khao RangA great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and some of the offshore islands, can be obtained by going to the top of Khao Rang Hill, on the citys northwest. There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass for picnickers at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit the model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V reign.

Saphan HinThis exemplary museum dedicated entirely to shells has a remarkable collection of rare, local and fossilised shells in a modern building. Highlights include the world’s largest golden pearl (140 carats apparently) and a 250kg shell. If you have the time, a stop here is well worth it. The owners of the museum are obsessed with molluscs and have themselves discovered several species. Located just north of Rawai. 12/2 Viset Rd., Rawai Beach, 076 613 666, open: daily 08.00 to 17.30, admission: Thai (adult/child) 100/50 baht, foreigners: (adult/child) 200/100 baht.

Phuket Sea Shell MuseumThis exemplary museum dedicated entirely to shells has a remarkable collection of rare, local and fossilised shells in a modern building. Highlights include the world’s largest golden pearl (140 carats apparently) and a 250kg shell. If you have the time, a stop here is well worth it. The owners of the museum are obsessed with molluscs and have themselves discovered several species. Located just north of Rawai. 12/2 Viset Rd., Rawai Beach, 076 613 666, open: daily 08.00 to 17.30, admission: Thai (adult/child) 100/50 baht, foreigners: (adult/child) 200/100 baht.

Chalong BayPhukets principal boat anchorage and the islands largest bay. Ao Chalong has a long flat, shallow, muddy bottom; at ebb tide, waters recede as much as one kilometer. It is very picturesque but not for swimming. Most visitors to the islands south of Phuket depart from Chalong pier, and the bays restaurants are well known for their seafood. harters to various places can be arranged from there, and it is the center of the islands yachting businesses. To get there take Jao Fah Tawan Tok Rd., or Jao Fah Tawan Okk Rd., to Chalong Circle. The pier and a number of restaurants are located on the short road leading to the beach from the circle.

Ka capeKa cape is a popular stop for Thai visitors to the island. Located at the extreme southwest of Chalong Bay. South of the point is Leam Ka Beach, a sandy strip dotted with rocks and boulders. The extensive coral reefs offshore make for interesting snorkeling mornings. Bungalows, Thai food, and boat charters to the islands are available. Ka Cape is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.

Phuket WaterfallsPhuket's waterfalls are not the biggest in the country but they are interesting gathering places for those seeking a cool place for a dip or a picnic. There are two major falls, Ton Sai and Bang Pae and they are both located in Khao Praew Thaew National Park 22 kilometers north of Phuket Town. Best visited in the monsoon season from May to October, the surrounding jungle is great for trekking through and there's also the worthy Gibbon Rehabilitation Project right by.

Phuket MarketA quintessential Asian experience, this market is a hive of activity in the mornings and evenings as a traditional habit for locals looking to pick up fresh fish, food of all types and other knick knacks. Located in the heart of the city, it’s a cornucopia of sights and smells that most tourists never get to experience. The old building housing the market was torn down a couple of years ago and has now been replaced by a fine new edifice. Open: daily, early mornings and evenings, admission: free.

The Big BuddhaYou can’t miss this one ,it’s located on the ridge separating Kata from Chalong. Work on the Big Buddha (officially named the Phra Putamingmongkol) started ten years ago and is still not complete; work is done when donations permit. The statue, 49 metres in height, is built of concrete sheathed in white marble. Make a donation, and you can write your name on building materials that eventually will become part of the statue. Spectacular views. Location: Kathu district, entrance from Chao Fa Road West, Chalong.Open: daytime, admission: free.

Khao Phra Thaeo National ParkThis park offers the best of Phuket’s lush landscape, a protected sanctuary with two lovely waterfalls; Bang Phae and Ton Sai, which are accessible by nature trail. Located in the far north of the island. There is a waterfall in Kathu, closer to Patong, if you would rather not pay the exorbitant park fee. 254 Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Rd., Thalang, 076 311 998, open: daily, 08.30 to 16.30, admission: Thai: Free, foreigner (adult/child): 200/100 baht.

Phuket FantaseaHighly recommended for the whole family, this Vegas-style extravaganza is staged every evening in a large auditorium and theme park. It includes a menagerie of animals, circus acts, comedians and Thai cultural displays, and a disappearing elephant magic act devised by David Copperfield. Located in Kamala, but extensive shuttles are provided. Multiple winner of Thailand Tourism Awards Best Attraction.99 Moo 3, Kamala Beach, 076 385 000,
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,open: daily except Thur, Show Time 21:00-22.15, admission: 1,500 Baht. at the box office or agent.

Phuket Beaches:

Rawai BeachSite of the Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy village, many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats to the nearby islands. The beach itself is suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.

Kata BeachThe smallest of Phukets three main tourist beaches, Kata is different in appearance and style from Karon or Patong. The beach itself is broad and curving, and structures bordering it are low-rise. The waters are perfect for swimming, and at the north end is a coral reef with many varied corals and fishes which stretches out toward Poo Island., about 1/2 km off shore. Facilities for every price range include hotels, bungalows, tour companies, restaurants, bars and clubs. There is regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime.

Kata Noi BeachSouth of Kata is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few hotels and little other development. The beach is superb. Many fish inhabit the rocks and corals along the beachless shoreline stretching south. To get there take the narrow beach road up over the hill from Kata.

Karon Beach The second largest of Phukets principal tourist beaches. Large resort complexes line the road back of the beach, but the strand itself, long and broad, has no development. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Poo Island. Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses are at the north end, near the traffic circle, and at the south, on the little road connecting the back road with the beach road. The narrow road between Kata and Karon has a number of small businesses as well as the Dino Park Mini Golf facility. Karon is the most up-scale of Phukets beaches. Regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.

Nai Harn Beach A popular swimming beach and yacht anchorage during the dry season. The beach is fine, but big waves strike it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime. Nai Harn is just north of Phrom Thep Cape.

This is what everyone has come to see, and there are nine pretty crescent bays along the west coast, each worth dropping in on to experience their differing characters. The viewpoint in the south above Kata Noi beach offers an excellent perspective of these tropical beauties with – in the high season - their calm, clear waters and white sand. Open: alwaysAdmission: free